SERVE
Step 1: Server Your Family
Our children will find it hard to value serving if they don't see it modeled for them. When our children see us using our time, talents, and treasures to love, instruct, and build up God's people, they will be far more inclined to do the same. God did not intend for us to live out our faith in isolation. Belonging in a meaningful way to a community of believers is integral for a maturing faith.
Step 2: Know your Strengths
God has gifted each of His people with specific qualities and experiences that He intends to use for His glory and for the building up of His church. With your children, prayerfully look for where the greatest needs are in our church and community and consider how the Lord might be calling them to step up in obedience to use their gifts.
Step 3: Serve in Love
After considering the needs around you and realizing personal gifting, experiences, and interests, pray and ask the Lord where He would like you to serve. Your church has many different areas for you to commit to regular service.
As His followers, we know that Jesus came serve and not to be served, but we can easily become consumers only in the church. Humility and servant heartedness is an important mark of a maturing believer. Our believing children have been gifted by the Holy Spirit and have much to offer their church family.
Parents, as people belonging to the family of God, we should:
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Lead in service to our families and with our families
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Affirm the gifts and strengths of our children
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Encourage our children to be connected in a meaningful way to their church family by serving
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Challenge our children to grow in responsibility and integrity through regular serving commitments